Tales of the Congo - a photo project that makes your heart beat to the rhythm of Africa (18 photos)

Africa, looking at you through the eyes of the natives living in the Congo Valley, is alive and real. Its magic is irresistible, and the first pages of the wonderful photo book "Tales of the Congo" will take your breath away.

The people of Africa live with nature in its rhythm and experience the world not rationally, but sensually. Explore the beautiful photographs of the most mysterious continent in our article and feel the African rhythms in your heart.





In the middle of Africa, in the M'bomo region, stretches the vast Congo Basin. Its area covers over a million square kilometers.

The stunning beauty of this place leaves an indelible mark on the people who live here. But despite the diversity of cultures existing in the area, little attention has been paid to this region.

Congo Tales is an attempt to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the Mbomo people, the fragile local ecosystem, and the history passed down through oral traditions, all of which are on the brink of extinction.



For five years, a group of writers, scholars, and photographers decided to unite to celebrate the peace of Congo.

The photo album was inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. It is based on stunningly beautiful photographs and recordings of the myths and legends that underlie Mbomo culture.



This photo album is the first of its kind to be produced as part of the larger "Tales of Us" project. Work on it was led by Dutch producer Eva Vonk, who, along with her assistant editor Stefanie Plattner and a group of activists, teachers, and local radio producers, spent three years in the Republic of Congo recording local myths.





"Fairy tales have a special power. They can unite people around important themes. I believe that this project, through the magic of stories, will take children away from the extremes of this world," says the project's creator.



These wonderful photo illustrations were taken by renowned portrait photographer Pieter Henket, who has worked with Lady Gaga, Kristen Stewart, and other celebrities.



Working with the inhabitants of the Congo Basin, the photographer never ceased to admire them:

"As I was photographing, the images acquired more and more new meanings and nuances because the people told new, even deeper stories," Peter shares his impressions.



"Congo Tales" is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the legacy left to the world by the Mbomo people.



Those who live on the edge of Odzala National Park—the largest and oldest in the Congo Basin—remain the guardians of their natural world.

Untouched nature and people with pure hearts teach the world a lesson by sharing their ancient tales.

Would you like to travel to the Congo Valley and see this beauty with your own eyes?